The Los Angeles Lakers assigned Bronny James to the Coachella Valley Lakers ahead of Friday’s G League season opener. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Bronny has played just 12 total minutes in the Lakers' first nine games. The 22-year-old struggled in the preseason and needed to be sent down to continue his development. He must find an offensive role that he can translate to the NBA floor.
James showed promise as a shooter last season. He made 37.9 percent of his 158 3-point attempts when combining his NBA and G League stats. It gave fans hope that Bronny could play next to Luka Doncic and become a dangerous spot-up threat, but he didn’t fit that role in the preseason. Bronny made just one of his eight 3-point attempts and wasn’t confidently firing away.
The Lakers tried to make him a point guard. He was given the first crack at the backup role when Collin Sexton was sidelined with a calf injury. Bronny struggled so badly in the first three preseason games that head coach JJ Redick was forced to go in a different direction. The 6’2 guard needs to use his time in the G League to iron out his best role.
Lakers need to develop Bronny James as a shooter
Bronny isn’t a point guard. Fans saw that during the preseason, and it cast some doubt about him making the roster. The Lakers had 16 players on guaranteed contracts, but decided to dump Dalton Knecht over Bronny.
James has struggled to handle the ball, make plays, and run the offense. Those are three essential skills for a point guard. Bronny can attack a shifting defense and create off that. Playing him off the ball makes the most sense.
That only works if James is an above-average 3-point shooter. He showed the potential last season, and simplifying his responsibilities could give Bronny the confidence to fire away. The 22-year-old needs to be a basketball player. Not a point guard or lead creator. Let him space the floor and give him the freedom to attack a hard closeout.
Bronny James must take advantage of this opportunity
The fan favorite is running out of chances with the Lakers. They have a $2.4 million team option for the 2027-28 season. Los Angeles could decline it if James isn’t ready to crack the NBA rotation. The purple and gold want to chase championships with Luka Doncic in his prime, and every roster spot is valuable.
The Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams to minimum contracts this summer. They are playing key 3-and-D roles and helping the team win. LA needs talent and depth to compete with the best teams in the NBA. They only get 15 guaranteed contracts, and each one is valuable.
Bronny has to earn his spot. He has quickly slipped to the bottom of the roster with his preseason struggles. James is an undersized guard. He isn’t suddenly becoming a lockdown defender. Bronny needs his offensive role to get him on the floor, but he is a man without one.
Lakers need to use Bronny James’ time in the G League wisely
The purple and gold need Bronny to play the role they envision for him on the Lakers in the G League. Having a versatile skill set is fantastic, but James needs one NBA skill before branching out. He must become a point guard or a spot-up shooter. Bronny can’t be both, and he needs all the reps he can get.
The 22-year-old should be one of the most talented players in the G League, but the Lakers can’t let him be Coachella Valley’s Luka Doncic. They don’t want Bronny dominating the ball and leading the team in shots. He will never be that player for the Lakers.
It is important to use these reps wisely. Give Bronny a clearly defined role and see how he performs in it. James needs to grow into an NBA role player. He will never be the guy. The Lakers know that and have to develop him into his future position.
The Los Angeles Lakers demoted Bronny James to the G League ahead of Friday’s season opener, and now it is time to get to work. He will be joined by rookie Cameron Carr as the purple and gold try to develop their young talent as they chase a championship.
The Lakers should let James and Carr play roles. Young players need repetitions to grow, and getting them in the right role maximizes their value. Fans should soon find out how the organization views Bronny. Hopefully, he uses the time in the G League wisely and comes back better than ever.
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